Some critics have raised objections over the manner and style of relief activities conducted by the Pakistan Army and other NGOs for earthquake(2005) victims . They must recognise the role of the Army and NGOs .
It was the army and the NGos, which revived life in the affected areas, maintained law and order situation and helped in distributing cash assistance to the victims. The Federal Relief Commission and Earthquake Relief Rehabilitation Authority(ERRA) both were working under serving generals and contributed a lot. This should be widely acknowledged. The ERRA and the NGOs helped affected people a lot but the amount for construction of new houses is like peanuts.
This amount should be increased up to Rs 3,00,000/- (three hundred thousand) keeping in view the present price hike of the construction material.Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani should now see this problem in person and increase the amount so that the victims may be able to build their houses.
Now the earthquake affected areas are in a new phase of rehabilitation. Here the role of NGOs as well as government agencies is important again. They should continue their activities till the return of the last person affected to his or her house.
The NGOs on their part should respect the dignity of affected people while conducting their operations. There were some quarrels among rival organisations, which was counterproductive because the people need help - not quarrels. They also do not want sectarianism in their territory. Let us all work for peace and rebuilding a community affected by one of the most devastating natural disasters of the history.
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